Meet Griffin Wilson | FOUNDER OF UNSTABLE.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Griffin Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Griffin, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think of risk as an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone. Taking risks tests how dedicated you are to your growth. I would say my brand was built on taking risks. For one, the name of my brand is UNSTABLE. People always make a face when I say my brand name is Unstable UNTIL I explain why it’s named that! I could’ve easily went the route of using something cliche, like a word with a “positive narrative” behind it because it’s sellable but I wanted to do the complete opposite. My risky name gets people talking, it causes conversation and it makes people want to know more! I wanted my business to reflect who I am as a person… i am VERY risky, I push the limit. Risk requires taking a different route than others, risk turns you into an individual, you stand out by default. In order to take risks you have to be open to either falling flat on your face or having a victory which requires you to trust yourself & your ability! How can you really reach your full potential if you’re too scared to leave your comfort zone?

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
What set’s me apart from others regarding my art would be the self expression & the execution. When I create there is always a point to it. With my UNSTABLE HOTTIE collection I wanted to add a design on the booty for a reason! Not only was it paying homage to the early 2000’s, I added a design on the booty because i realized when people wear my pieces, all eyes are on them. Those rhinestones catch the eye very well. I added “Hottie” on the booty on my sweatpants so when you’re walking towards someone, the rhinestones on the hoodie catches their eye off rip. After that, they will try to read what the rhinestones spell out. Once they figure out what it spells out, at this point they should have passed you & they’re going to see the reflection of the “Hottie” on the booty in their peripheral so they’re drawn to look again! I’ve had my girls & gays who have worn my sweatsuits tell me how much attention it gets & they end up having to give out my instagram name because people love the message & love the design so much. It’s good marketing & it’s memorable enough to want to know who the designer is & what else they have! My UNSTABLE HOTTIE sweatsuits were made to make people take a double take! I would say regarding my art I know who my customers are & I know what they like. I’ve only been doing this for 6 months so I have a lot more to learn but I’m at a good start. It took years of self discovery, learning about fashion & textiles to the point where I felt secure enough to start creating my art. It was not easy getting here. I spent years putting off my release because I couldn’t find a clear concept. Naturally when you need inspiration you look at what’s already been done. What I was seeing wasn’t what I wanted to create, so because I didn’t see the vision in other peoples’ work, I got discouraged. I had to tap into my own creativity. I realized what I’m trying to do isn’t easy to find for a reason. I may not be the first but it’s true to who I am and that’s all that matters at the end of the day so I have to trust my vision & bring it to life. As I grow as a person & a brand, you will see that in my art. Know there is a story behind what we put out in the future, know there may be something similar to it but it will always be true to us as a brand!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Okay so if my good judy was visiting my city for a week, I would start off by taking them to one of my favoriteee restaurants called “Chikn” so we can catch up & they can taste the BEST chicken sandwiches everrr! After that we’d probably go to Highland Park to get some fresh air & see the beautiful views of the reservoir. During that week i’d take them different museums like the Carnegie Mellon Museum, the Andy Warhol & Mattress Factory Museum too! Of course we would HAVE to go down to the Point & ride bikes, that’s such a vibe! I would also have to take them to my personal favorite park, Schenley Park where it overlooks the city… it’s so beautiful. That’s where i’ve had some of my favorite moments. Another place for views would have to be the overlook on Mt. Washington… it over looks downtown! SOOOO stunning!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my Mother Melissa! She’s been my support system since I’ve been born, she’s never turned her back on me, she has poured so much love & strength into me, she made me feel comfortable enough to be myself. I am who I am because of her… I do this for you!!! I would also like to thank my grandparents Doris & Curtis (Rest In Power Pappap) for teaching me nothing is impossible & there is truly no limit! My grandfather taught me to make the most of what you have and that is something I will never forget… Jada, my Aries sister I am so grateful to be able to call you my friend/sister & Marketing Manager! You keep me going girl! I tell you all the time if I make it you’re coming with me!!! All my friends, family, and customers are apart of my success! I’ve been doing this for such a short time but the love & support is so real! Thank you Gabi & Thank You Chi!!! Both of you are absolute queens, I can’t wait until you two turn into stars! Lastly my sister Blake, my hype woman!!! One thing about her is she is going to sell my pieces chile! She puts my name out there & uplifts me soooo much, I am so grateful for you BLAKE!!!

Website: www.shopunstable.com

Instagram: @shopunstable

Image Credits
Zian Meng Dymond Jewell